Ceramics and small amounts of paint seemed to be the language of some public art. A lot of publicly presented art is large. It makes tremors in its presentation. But yesterday, I found diminutive but impressive public art and pieces of what appear to be private art presented publicly. All these are in a two-block area in Shelbourne Falls, Massachusetts, but not all are easily found.
I’ve found that unexpected art and public art that you have to seek out brings me a lot of joy. It’s not like the huge equestrian statue that seems to slam you on the head; it’s much more subtle and human scale, sometimes in the least expected spaces.
these were all amazing! I love local art by nobody famous… real art by regular souls bearing a wonderful gift… quietly displaying it from within their backyards, if you get my drift…
I agree.
These are great!!!
I especially like the little paintings. They were on the back of a building among the weeds, hence the private but public designation.
I’m going to be going to a remote part of Wyoming next summer to lead a painting workshop. It will be both the first one I’ve led OR attended. My attendees will range in age from 12 to 94. I can’t wait! I don’t believe everyone is an artist, but I do believe everyone can have a good time making art. I loved the photo in your post, “You call this painting?” I laughed.
Saturday, I was listening to Nebraska Public Radio’s morning concert when they played a Haydn cello concerto I’d not listened to in years. I forgot how joyous the first movement is and a tear ran down my face. It is Joseph Haydn’s : Cello Concerto D major No.2 in Hob.VIIb, one that wasn’t even thought to be his till the 1950s when his autograph manuscript of it was found.
Music affects me that way. I have a recording of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto for piano, a Rudolf Serkin 1967 recording, that has cadenzas so powerfully realized I feel over-whelmed by the beauty of this master’s artistry and tears of joy flow every time I hear how he handled these moments in the score left for the artist to show his or her improvisational skills, kinda 19th Century Jazz!
Doug, you are right on the money. Lots of my friends in NYC who were jazz musicians were heavily into classical music as an inspiration.
It works both ways. I “found” Jazz through Bach.